ETHIOPIA TODAY. Fourth Ethio-Canada Bilateral Consultation Held in Addis Ababa

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1 ETHIOPIA TODAY Newsletter of the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Canada VOL.1. No.3 June 2014 Fourth Ethio-Canada Bilateral Consultation Held in Addis Ababa The fourth Ethiopia-Canada bilateral Consultations were held in Addis Ababa, June 19-20, Ethiopia was represented by Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie, Director- General of the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by representatives from the Ministries of Mines, Finance and Economic Development, Trade, and of Water and Energy. The Canadian delegation was led by Mr. Philip Baker, Director General of Africa Bureau of Canada s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. The aim of the consultation forum was to strengthen bilateral relations between Canada and Ethiopia and also assess ongoing cooperation activities and identify possible new areas of cooperation for the coming year. The two sides reviewed the status of actions taken since the previous meeting held in July last year in Ottawa, and expressed their satisfaction that necessary follow up activities were being implemented. The Ethiopian side expressed appreciation for Canada s commitment to support Ethiopia s efforts in fighting poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goals; and thanked the Canadian government for aligning its development approach with Ethiopia s Growth and Transformation Plan. The Canadian delegation affirmed that the country is pleased to see results with the development activities undertaken in Ethiopia. The two sides reviewed the existing bilateral relationship and expressed satisfaction that official diplomatic relations were approaching 50 years. They welcomed the fact that the relations were not solely focused on assistance, but also involved the effort to build a strong partnership. The Forum agreed that the relationship could be characterized as rich and broad, and both sides expressed their commitment to the continuation of their close collaboration. The Ethiopian delegation gave a presentation on the progress on Millennium Development Goals, underlining the point that Ethiopia has made significant progress towards achieving these, and pointing out that six out of eight were on track for achievement. Strong efforts were being made to ensure that the remaining two are achievable. The progress so far can be attributed to the strong commitment by the government and its development partners in the national Growth and Development Plan ( ). Ethiopia has made effective progress in eradicating extreme poverty, reducing child and maternal mortality, and making primary education accessible to children, as well as in controlling malaria, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and in sustainable environmental protection. The Canadian side noted that Ethiopia was making impressive efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goal targets by the 2015 deadline and reiterated its continuous support to help with this. The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Ottawa is located at Slater Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1P 5H9. Tel: Fax: e mail: info@ethioembassycanada.org, Website:

2 One of the main agenda items for discussion covered an assessment of Canada s current development cooperation in Ethiopia. Thus, Ethiopian and Canadian delegations agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation relationship through the completion and signature with Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of a mutual accountability framework jointly organizing a portfolio review and field monitoring missions. Ethiopia has been identified as the second largest recipient of Canadian aid and Canada is the third largest donor to Ethiopia. According to the new Canadian country strategy announced last year, development works are to be focused on food security and agricultural growth through support for the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), as well as encouraging private sector engagement in agriculture. In both areas significant progress has been observed. The Canadian delegation noted that working closely is important in order to explore ways of supporting Ethiopia in meeting New Alliance commitments on food security and nutrition. A new area of focus for Canadian development cooperation has been sustainable economic growth centering on the implementation of programs such as the Investment Climate Improvement program and the Women Entrepreneurship Development program. The Canadian delegates noted that there were signs of an encouraging engagement between the public and private sectors in the different areas. The Forum also heard a brief overview of Ethiopia s mining sector, highlighting the huge potential of the country in precious minerals, metals, industrial energy and construction minerals. The presentation, which focused on the cooperation activities carried out by the Canadian government since 2012, also covered operational and regulatory activities in the sector. Canadian companies are engaged in extractive industries, and the Canadian government has been giving short-term training for mining sector experts from the Ministry of Mines. In this area Canadian side had agreed to continue to work together with the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines to identify the opportunities to support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Canada, Ms. Birtukan Ayano, and her team, via video conference, participated in the discussion from Ottawa. Ethiopian Diaspora Held a Fundraising Event in Toronto. Ethiopians and Ethio- Canadian residing in Toronto and its environs held a colorful fundraising event in Toronto city on June , in which a large number of members of the Ethiopian community participated. The event was organized by Toronto Area Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Public Participation Coordinating Council. H.E. Birtukan Ayano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Canada, in her speech delivered at the event, expressed her satisfaction by the large number turnout of participants and congratulated the organizers and the members of the Ethiopian community in Toronto and its environ for their strong support. H.E Ambassador, further noted that the current priority of the Ethiopian government is fighting poverty and backwardness which is the number one enemy of Page 2

3 the country at present. To this end, she said, the government of Ethiopia is engaged in developing the natural resources of the country and in implementing mega projects like Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam/GERD/, which are believed to extensively contribute to the nation's plan to alleviate poverty in a short span of time. The GERD for which the fundraising event is organized, upon completion has a multifaceted role of not only contributing considerably to the venture of the country to eliminate poverty and satisfy country's power demand, but also contributes significantly to the regional integration through export of electric power to the neighboring countries. positive role in the development of the country by putting aside their differences. On the other hand, the chairperson of Kitchener City Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Public Participation Coordinating Council, Ato Emmanuel Molalegn, emphasized the importance of partaking in the development of the country and called upon Ethiopians and Ethio-Canadians to support ongoing development projects in Ethiopia. He also took the opportunity to announce a fundraising event organized by the Kitchener area council, to be held on July 5, 2014, and urged the participants to buy tickets and join them in the event. H.E. Ambassador Birtukan, in her statement, highly commended Ethiopians and Ethio- Canadian Community for their financial contribution and hoped this would continue until the completion of the project. Ato Zemenu Genet, the chairman of the Toronto Area Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Public Participation Coordinating Council, in his speech said, since the inception of the Council three years ago, the members were working relentlessly to bring about the unity of the community to play At the event individuals who played an outstanding role by contributing financially and supporting the success of the event and members of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Public Participation Coordinating Council of Toronto and Kitchener cities were duly recognized and awarded a certificate of acknowledgment and appreciation by H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano. A musical show celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the country was staged by prominent artists like Solomon Tekalgn, Temesgen Zegeye Page 3

4 and Yayne Abay from USA and artists Atam Aduse, Sisay Hishe and Yared Bereha from Toront. Ethiopia and Israel Keen to Foster Closer Economic Relationship An Israeli business delegation, representing more than fifty business firms, including many of the country s more sizable corporations, which was the latest to show an interest in seeking to invest in a country which was recently hailed as one of a handful of countries set to emerge as possible light-manufacturing powerhouses. The delegation, which included representatives of Israeli firms that have established themselves as key players in their respective industries, was led by Israel s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Avigdor Liberman, as part of an African tour of five countries. On June 17 the Israeli delegation and their Ethiopian counterparts participated in an Ethio- Israeli business summit. Opening the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom expressed his hope that the summit would play a crucial role in spearheading improvements in the two countries economic ties. Dr. Tedros spoke of the long and historic attachment between the peoples of Ethiopia and Israel, adding that the present bilateral trade and investment relationship failed to reflect these deep ties. He said: despite the strong historic relationship Israel and Ethiopia enjoy, the investment flow from Israel is not as big as one would expect, adding that he expected the visit of Foreign Minister Liberman and the Israeli business contingent would help change the commercial aspect of the relationship positively. Dr. Tedros praised what he referred to as Israel s new policy of focusing in deepening its relations with Africa. He affirmed the strong commitment and desire of the Ethiopian Government and the Ethiopian business community to expand trade and investment engagement with Israel. He stressed that Ethiopia s business and investment climate was geared towards attracting a greater FDI inflow. Israel s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on his part said that Ethiopia and Israel share a unique relationship that dates back to the times of King Solomon. It continued to flourish, he said, due to the close interaction of the two people. Mr. Liberman agreed with Dr. Tedros that there was an apparent lack of development of the economic side of their relationship. He noted that Israel was a world leader in high-tech industries and agriculture innovation, for example, and expressed his opinion that the two countries could cooperate more in these areas. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Liberman, also met President Dr. Mulatu Teshome and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Page 4

5 The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister discussed ways to increase the volume of trade between the two countries significantly. It is currently valued at US$112 million and they suggested it should be the level of US$2 billion in the next two years. Mr. Liberman stressed that Israeli investors were particularly keen to invest in agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals and information technology. News Last May, UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan and authorized it to use all necessary means to protect civilians, monitor and investigate human rights, create the conditions for delivery of humanitarian assistance, and support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Last December following the eruption of violence in the South Sudan, the 15-member body increased the number of troops deployed in the country to 12,500 troops and 1,323 police forces. Ethiopia meets MDGs - EU Ethiopian General Appointed Commander of UN Forces in S. Sudan UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday appointed the Ethiopian Lt Gen. Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on June 18, 2014.Yohannes, who served as the head of UN force for Abyei succeeds Major-General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completed his assignment on 9 June Lieutenant-General Yohannes brings to the position 35 years of experience with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and the United Nations in conflict-affected areas, said the UN spokesperson in a statement released on June 18, Ethiopia is on the right track to meet most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), said European Union (EU). According to EU ambassador to Addis Ababa, Chantal Hebert said that Ethiopia has become effective in reducing poverty, child and maternal mortality; and accessing school age children to education, sustainable environmental protection, controlling malaria, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Before the MDG date ends in 2015, Ethiopia meets most of the goals, noted the ambassador. She also indicated that Ethiopia has become successful in job and young investors creation and improving lives of its people. An allocation of 70 percent of the nation's budget to poverty reducing sectors such as education, Page 5

6 health and infrastructure has helped to the success, she said. She also reminded that if the economic growth of the country continues at the present pace, Ethiopia becomes a middle income nation by According to the ambassador EU had provided 680 million Euros development support to Ethiopia from 2008 to It has also approved a development support of 745 million Euros from 2014 to The EU provides Ethiopia a development support of 200million Euros annually. Ethiopia elected Deputy member of ILO Governing Body Business and Economy Half of Turkey s African investment is in Ethiopia Ethiopia is now Turkey s biggest African investment, Aykut Kumbaroglu who works with African Countries for Turkey s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on 17 June Ethiopia elected to a three-year term ( ) as Deputy Member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), during the 103rd International Labour Conference. In addition to Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Angola, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger were elected from the African continent. Ethiopia is expected to dedicate its time to coordinate its efforts with elected countries of Africa to jointly promote Africa s position for the term of on various issues including migration, employment, and human trafficking. There are currently over 350 Turkish companies investing USD three billion in Ethiopia. This is half of the USD six billion the nation invests in sub-saharan Africa. Turkish officials say this has come as a result of their encouragement to invest in Ethiopia. Aykut pointed out that the leaders of both nations have made reciprocal visits and their relationship is strong. Ethiopia reopened its embassy in Ankara in 2006 and different Turkish Offices have based their regional offices in Addis Ababa including Turkey s Anadolu News Agency. Top diplomat at the Ethiopian Embassy in Ankara, told Capital that Turkish companies are now focusing on Africa. Ethiopia is a gateway for their vision, the diplomat explained. Page 6

7 According to the 2013 data, the trade between the two countries has reached USD 420 million from USD 27 million in Ethiopia is the first sub Saharan Africa country to begin modern diplomatic relations with Turkey at the start of the 20th century when Turkey opened its consulate in Harar. Taiwanese Shoe Factory in Ethiopia Starts Marketing Ethiopian Airlines to Give Japan Direct Route to Africa Ethiopian Airlines will mark the 50th anniversary of marathon runner Abebe Bikila's victory at the Tokyo Olympics by commissioning its first direct flight between Addis Ababa and Narita airports in October. George Shoe Corporation, a Taiwanese shoe factory in Ethiopia, has offered its first 10,000 pairs of shoe for international market. Established by Taiwanese investors 15 kilometers to east of Addis Ababa at the Bole Lemi Industrial Zone, the George Shoe factory is producing 4,000 pairs of shoe a day now. The factory makes 16,000 pairs when working at full capacity, explained on a visit paid to the factory by officials from the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry (MOI). State Minister of MOI, Sisay Gemetchu said that George Shoe is the top in Ethiopia offering quality products and in quantity as well. The Ethiopian government has been providing incentives to the investors for the accomplishment of their plans, he said. The Company's General Manager, O.K. Kaul acknowledged the Ethiopian government support to his company's endeavor. The factory's produce bears 'Made in Ethiopia' brand, he said. This company produces 5 million pairs of shoes a day in China. (ERTA) Abebe Bikila ( ) won a gold medal in the marathon in both the 1960 Rome Olympics and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, made the announcement while in Japan on June 10. The new flight by Ethiopia's flag carrier will likely be the only direct route connecting Africa and Japan in the foreseeable future. Boeing 787 Dreamliners will fly three round trips a week between the two nations. In a related news,the Ethiopian Airlines, announced that it has finalized preparations to start three weekly services to Madrid, Spain starting from 2 September Ethiopian flight to Madrid will be operated through Rome and will bring the number of the airline s international destinations across five continents to 83. The flights are believed to provide the best connectivity options between Spain and East and Southern Africa. Page 7

8 Passengers to and from Madrid will enjoy convenient connections to destinations in the Ethiopian wide route network such as Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Dar Es Salam, Nairobi, Entebbe, Lusaka, Luanda and Johannesburg. Tourism and Culture Ministry Working to Develop Tourist promote the image of Ethiopia, according to the director. The Simien National Park The simien mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4620m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero. Destinations Addis Ababa June 23/2014 Various activities have been underway to develop Ethiopia s tourist destinations and make the sector suitable, Ministry of Culture and Tourism said. Public and International Relations Director of the Ministry, Aweke Tenaw, said the ministry is working to increase the revenue the country gets from tourism by working in collaboration with regional bureaus. He pointed out that tourism development and promotion works have been underway to meet the target set by the Growth and Transformation Plan to attract one million tourists and earn 3 billion USD, he stated. Accordingly, Ethiopia has taken part in international tourism trade exhibitions such as the ones organized by Brazil, Germany, UK and China to promote the tourist attractions of the country, it was indicated. The ministry, in collaboration with regional culture and tourism bureaus and over 300 travel agencies, will further take part in many exhibitions that would be held abroad in order to The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions ( up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the Gelada Baboon and the rare Simien fox. The Simien fox, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by the visitor. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien mountains. Access to the park is from Debark, 101 km from Gonder, where riding & pack animals may be hired. This should be arranged in advance through your local tour operator or the Office of the Wildlife Conservation Department. Page 8